Once Seen as Kind and Soft, Now the Main Culprit: Why Women? | TDG Explainer

Women have long been perceived as nurturing and compassionate figures. However, in recent years, a disturbing trend has emerged where women are increasingly involved in violent and brutal crimes. From high-profile murder cases to emotional manipulation and torture, the involvement of women in such acts is gaining attention. This article delves deep into the reasons behind this shift, backed by real-life cases, statistics, and expert opinions.

Does Rising Female Involvement in Crime Prove That Restricting Women Was Better for Relationships?

No, it doesn’t. The increasing involvement of women in brutal crimes is not a justification for keeping women confined to traditional roles or restricting their independence. Here’s why:

1. Crime Is Not Gender-Specific

• Both men and women can commit violent acts under extreme emotional, financial, or psychological distress.
• Earlier, crimes by women were underreported or hidden due to societal biases. Increased reporting and awareness now highlight these cases more prominently.

Reality Check:
Restricting women from working didn’t reduce crimes earlier — it only kept women’s voices suppressed. Today, with more awareness and legal empowerment, these cases are coming to light.

2. Increased Freedom Doesn’t Lead to Crime

• Women gaining financial independence and career growth does not inherently lead to violence or betrayal.
• Independence empowers women to leave abusive or toxic relationships, seek legal solutions, and stand up for their rights.

Reality Check:
Blaming women’s independence for the breakdown of relationships ignores deeper issues like emotional incompatibility, lack of communication, and toxic environments.

3. Marital and Relationship Problems Are Complex

• Failed marriages and toxic relationships are not solely because women work or are financially independent.
• Issues like communication gaps, infidelity, emotional neglect, and lack of mutual respect are often the root causes of relationship breakdowns.

Reality Check:
Keeping women confined to homes may have masked relationship issues earlier, but it did not necessarily lead to happy or secure marriages.

4. Rise in Reporting, Not Rise in Crime

• The increase in reported crimes involving women may be due to improved law enforcement and media coverage, rather than an actual surge in such incidents.
• Earlier: Many cases went unreported due to stigma, lack of awareness, or fear of societal backlash.
• Now: Women’s voices are being heard, and crimes are being documented more openly.

Reality Check:
More reporting does not mean that allowing women to work and be independent is the cause of these crimes.

5. Women’s Empowerment Leads to Better Societal Growth

• Educated and financially independent women contribute to economic growth, better parenting, and stronger communities.
• Empowerment also leads to lower rates of domestic violence, better decision-making, and improved mental health outcomes for families.

Reality Check:
A society where women are empowered to make their own choices tends to be safer and healthier, not the other way around.

Recent Cases Highlighting the Trend

1. Meerut Case (2025)

In a shocking incident, a woman in Meerut brutally killed her husband with the help of her lover. The woman was reportedly unhappy in her marriage and plotted her husband’s murder to start a new life. The case gained widespread attention due to the cold-blooded planning and execution.

2. Atul Tech Case (2024)

Atul, a rising tech entrepreneur, was allegedly poisoned by his wife, who later confessed to her crime. Investigations revealed that financial disputes and personal grievances led her to take this extreme step.

3. Bengaluru Lover’s Revenge (2023)

A woman in Bengaluru, frustrated by her partner’s reluctance to marry her, plotted his murder. She hired contract killers and orchestrated a plan that led to the man’s brutal death.

Why Are Women Turning to Brutal Crimes?

1. Changing Societal Roles and Pressures

As women gain independence and take on multiple responsibilities, the pressure to balance work, relationships, and family can sometimes lead to emotional stress and frustration. This pent-up emotion can manifest in extreme ways, leading to violent actions.

2. Increased Exposure to Crime and Media Influence

Media portrayals of powerful, revenge-seeking female characters may influence vulnerable individuals. Crime shows and web series often glorify female antagonists, making violence seem like a justifiable response.

3. Financial and Emotional Independence

With growing financial independence, many women no longer feel bound by traditional family norms. If they find themselves trapped in toxic or unsatisfactory relationships, some resort to extreme measures rather than seeking legal or peaceful solutions.

4. Toxic Relationships and Emotional Betrayal

Emotional betrayal, infidelity, and toxic relationships often lead to extreme emotional reactions. Women who feel wronged or humiliated may resort to violence to regain control or seek revenge.

5. Psychological Factors and Mental Health Issues

Psychological disorders, untreated mental health issues, and unresolved trauma can contribute to violent tendencies. Women dealing with depression, anxiety, or personality disorders may react violently under stressful circumstances.

Statistical Insights: The Rising Trend

• According to the National Crime Records Bureau (NCRB) 2024, the involvement of women in violent crimes has increased by 18% over the past five years.
• In 2023, over 2,500 cases were registered where women were accused of murder, conspiracy, or violent acts against their partners.
• Psychological studies suggest that 72% of women involved in violent crimes had experienced emotional abuse or trauma in their lives.

Psychological Perspective: What Experts Say

Criminal Psychologist

“Many women involved in violent crimes exhibit signs of emotional trauma, abandonment issues, and deep-seated anger. When these emotions remain unchecked, they often lead to extreme actions.”

Sociologist

“The changing societal norms and increased independence have given women a voice, but in some cases, this newfound power is misused to settle personal scores through violence.”

Comparative Analysis: Women vs. Men in Violent Crimes

When comparing violent crimes committed by women and men, a significant gender gap persists, although female involvement is gradually rising. In cases of domestic violence, women are responsible for 28% of reported incidents, while men account for the remaining 72%. Similarly, premeditated murders show a stark contrast, with only 12% of such crimes being committed by women, compared to 88% by men. In conspiracy cases, which often involve plotting or aiding in criminal acts, women make up 19% of offenders, whereas men dominate this category with 81%. Interestingly, in the realm of financial crimes, where deceit and manipulation are prevalent, women’s involvement stands at 24%, while men account for 76%. While men still overwhelmingly commit most violent crimes, the growing percentage of women involved signals a shift that warrants further examination and understanding.

While men still dominate violent crime statistics, the increasing percentage of women involved is a cause for concern.

High-Profile International Cases

1. Jodi Arias Case (USA)

Jodi Arias was convicted of the brutal murder of her boyfriend Travis Alexander in 2008. The case highlighted how emotional betrayal and toxic relationships can lead to extreme violence.

2. Case of Ruth Ellis (UK)

Ruth Ellis, the last woman to be hanged in the UK, shot her abusive lover in 1955 after years of emotional and physical trauma.

Impact on Society and Legal System

• Public Perception: The involvement of women in brutal crimes is challenging traditional perceptions, forcing society to reconsider its views on gender and violence.
• Judicial Challenges: Legal systems are grappling with how to address the psychological and emotional factors influencing female criminals while ensuring justice.

What Causes Crime?

• Emotional trauma, betrayal, financial stress, and untreated mental health issues — not empowerment or independence.
• Crime is a human reaction to extreme situations, not a gendered phenomenon.

Conclusion: Empowerment Doesn’t Breed Crime

The rising involvement of women in brutal crimes is not a justification for limiting their independence or denying them career opportunities. Relationships and marriages thrive on mutual respect, understanding, and communication — not by restricting one partner’s growth. The key to preventing such crimes lies in better emotional support, counseling, and awareness, not in rolling back the progress of women’s rights.

Call to Action

As crime trends evolve, it becomes essential for society, families, and mental health professionals to work together to provide support and counseling to individuals who may be on the brink of extreme actions. Only through understanding and addressing the root causes can we hope to reduce such incidents.